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Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Frequently Asked First Dance Questions answered by Your Perfect Wedding Dance



Frequently Asked First Dance Questions answered by Your Perfect Wedding Dance

     While many questions that I get asked by the newly engaged couple are specific for their wedding, there are a good number of repetitive ones. When should I start learning how to dance?; What type of music should I use?; How many lessons do we need? These are some of the most common questions I answer on a weekly basis. Here is a list of some of the common concerns couples have in regards to taking their first wedding dance lesson. Enjoy!

1- We are not good dancers, will this be difficult for us to learn?

Every lesson is perfectly customized to your dance level. You don't have to be a dancer of any kind to be able to gracefully move about the dance floor. Just keep in mind, the more you rehearse after your class, the better you will feel and the more natural you will dance.

2- How many lessons do we need?

This is a tough one. Your instructor will not be able to precisely assess your dance skills until after your first lesson. Once your instructor sees how well you pick up the dance moves, choreography and your level of coordination, then they can advise you on the number of lessons to achieve your dance.

3-  What should we bring to the lesson?

You really don't need to bring anything special for your dance lesson. Wearing comfortable clothing could be different for everyone. Whether wearing sneakers and pants or a dress with heels is your comfort zone, go for it. If you want to try dancing in your wedding attire or just bring wedding props, like a veil, you're more than welcome to bring those with you.

4- The tempo of our song changes halfway through the song, will this be possible to work with?

Typically the tempo stays the same throughout the song but rhythms may change. This may make you believe that the tempo has been affected. It is very rare that tempo's change in the song but if they do, it is very easy to work with and incorporate into your dance.

5- Is it possible to dance to multiple songs?

Yes! The combination of multiple songs will make your first dance that much more exciting. Simply bring your already cut song to your dance lesson so your instructor can choreograph with the transitions. It is also important to keep in mind that learning more than 1 dance will require more practice on your part.

6- When should we start learning our first dance?

Typically I recommend starting anywhere from 1.5 to 1 month out before the big day. This way you have enough time to learn your wedding dance and have enough time to rehearse on your own. As well, this time frame keeps the wedding date close by so you don't forget your dance by the wedding. This does not mean you cant start sooner. The earlier you start, the more comfortable you will feel dancing--as long as you practice.

7- What type of music should we use?

The best song to use for your first dance is the one you fell in love with. There really is no specific type of music to dance to. It can be anything from slow to fast, happy or romantic, techno or classical. As long as there's a rhythm, you can dance to it!

If you find you have questions specific to your wedding, please don't hesitate to call or email us any time at yblinova@yourperfectweddingdance.com!

Happy Dancing!

For more great blogs and information please visit us at: YourPerfectWeddingDance.com

Thursday, May 5, 2016

When To Begin Taking Dance Lessons For Your First Dance... Your Perfect Wedding Dance




     Dancing is easy! Right?... Well just like learning anything new for the first time, whether riding a bicycle or learning a new language, sometimes we need extra time to get the hang of it. Yes some people do have a knack for picking up dance moves quickly and that is great but ballroom dancing is a whole new beast. Partner dancing now involves 2 people moving together in harmony. If you have never formally learned how to dance in a pair, this typically causes issues. Coordination between 2 people is challenging and getting onto the correct rhythm together and most importantly, keeping that rhythm does not come easy. Please give yourselves ample time to not only learn your choreographed first dance but also give yourselves enough time to practice and perfect it.



     Typically I recommend starting anywhere between 1.5 to 2 months out before the big day. This will typically allow for the couple to learn their routine, feel comfortable with the music and of course incorporate some dance tricks into your routine. After the first dance is set, now you can practice on your own without having a huge gap between your last lesson and the wedding day. We wouldn’t want you to forget the dance!!

     Some couples will start as early as 6+ months before the wedding to begin learning their first dance. There’s nothing wrong with that. In the end you want dancing to be a hobby for you and your significant other, so why not start sooner? 

     However there are those couples that call a week or even a day before the wedding. Better late than never…true but you have to be honest with yourself. Will you truly be able to practice at home and actually dance what you learned in a few hours? If you and your fiancĂ© can’s see yourselves practicing that night or early the next morning, then there is a 99% chance that you will resort to swaying. Dancing isn’t difficult so much as it is repetitive. Practice makes perfect is a true slogan because we need to rehearse and help our brain memorize the pattern. One lesson will not benefit you fully and I would honestly recommend at least 2 dance lessons. 

     Dancing is a sport and an art in one. It isn’t easy but not impossible either. Try your best to have ample time to really get ready for your magical first dance. It will be worth in the end!

     For more great blogs and information, please visit our website at YourPerfectWeddingDance.com!

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Dance to Your Own Beat...Here's How! -Your Perfect Wedding Dance

Dance to Your Own Beat...Here's How!



     When you are learning your first dance, there are a number of things that typically will make you anxious. Dancing does not come naturally for most and when it comes down learning a choreography, well that is a whole new beast to tackle. 
     One of the most common concerns that I address at my dance sessions is the beat of the music. How important is it really to dance perfectly on-tempo? Will anyone really know the difference between a slow or a quick rhythm when they have a drink in their hand? 
     The answer to all of these questions, and more, is no. Absolutely no one in your wedding party will specifically stare at your feet and count out the rhythm as you and your significant other are dancing away. Relax, smile and enjoy your moment on the dance floor!
      However, here are a few great tips to learning how to hear and dance to the rhythm: 
 
 1: Put on a song of your choice, with a strong beat (ex: Bruno Mars- Just
                                                                                    the Way You Are)
 2:  Tap your foot, snap your fingers or bob your head to the accenting beat
 3:  Start moving your feet side to side (side tap, side tap, etc)
 4:  Now try finding an accented beat in your wedding dance choice
 5:  Repeat these steps until you are moving freely, side to side, to your first        dance song choice
VOILA!

     Remember, these things do take time but with practice, everything is possible. Whether you want to freestyle through your first dance or perfect every little detail, the choice is yours. Your wedding dance teacher will help you with whichever decision you make. 

For more great blogs and information, please visit our website at: www.YourPerfectWeddingDance.com

 

Monday, January 18, 2016

Should you take lessons for your First Dance? --YourPerfectWeddingDance


Wedding season is creeping up again! It is a wonderful time when couples profess their love for one another, take that next step in their committed relationship and pop the question. It’s absolutely beautiful!
Now that you are happily engaged, you realize just how much work goes into prepping for a wedding! Whether you are a Do It Yourself type of couple or rely solely on your wedding planner type of couple, chances are you are going to make some decisions about your big day.
The First Dance, a magical and usually one of the favorite moments of the groom and bride, can be quite stressful. Most of the time, the bride and groom don’t know anything about dancing and swaying in a bear hug back and forth, although not the desired choice, can seem like the only way out.
Then there is the option of taking dance lessons and having a professional dance choreographer put together a dance routine that best expresses your relationship. This is a FANTASTIC choice! The only thing that stands in the way between you and making that phone call... the fear that the dance will be too hard. This will not happen. Relax. Trust the pros.
Every dance session should slowly integrate more interesting steps, choreography, level of difficulty. You start slowly, learning the basics, moving together in unison, and voila! Your First Dance is exactly what you wanted it to be. Flawless in every way, perfect for the wedding and is a significant memory of a fun activity as a married couple!
Enjoy every moment! Learn to dance! You will only have one First Dance!

For more blogs and wedding dance information, please visit our website at: www.YourPerfectWeddingDance.com